America’s No. 1 Consumer-Rewards App Started on UW-Madison Campus;
Company Partners with Badgers to Expand Wisconsin Presence
MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 7, 2022) – The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department and its multimedia rights-holder, LEARFIELD’s Badger Sports Properties, has announced Fetch Rewards as a new corporate partner with strong ties to Madison and a mission to put the Midwest on the map as a hub for technology and innovation.
Fetch, the nation’s No. 1 rewards app, is a groundbreaking consumer-engagement platform that works directly with brands to reward app users for every purchase. Founded by CEO Wes Schroll, then a UW-Madison sophomore, the Fetch app launched in 2017 and has since grown to more than 17 million monthly active users. The company is valued at more than $2.5 billion and has raised more than $500 million in funding from investors including SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Hamilton Lane, ICONIQ, and Greycroft. The Fetch app is free to download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
“When Fetch first launched, this was considered flyover country. The big investors didn’t write many checks to fuel tech innovation in the Midwest,” said Birk Cooper, Badger alumnus and Chief Marketing Officer, Fetch Rewards. “But we changed the game and proved that you can build world-class consumer tech, right here in Madison. That’s why we’re doubling down and expanding our local presence – we want to play a role in advancing the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and Wisconsin Athletics is the perfect partner to help us connect with and inspire the next generation of talent.”
Debuting this fall, the “Changing the Game” campaign will feature stories told through the eyes of talent cultivated in Madison and at the university, showcasing the development of leaders on the field, in the workplace, and in our community. The multi-year sponsorship agreement with Wisconsin Athletics will allow Fetch unprecedented brand exposure among a loyal and passionate Badger fanbase. The company will have full use of University IP and receive partnership benefits that include in-venue, digital and social assets to leverage the name, image and likeness (NIL) component.
Notably, Fetch will work with four student-athletes to represent the Badgers: Chimere Dike (football), Devyn Robinson (volleyball), Chucky Hepburn (men’s basketball) and Sydney Hilliard (women’s basketball). Each athlete will engage in a content video series centered on “Changing the Game” to share what inspires them about being a Badger and why they chose Wisconsin. LEARFIELD’s Social+ lead will manage the series project and adapt the creative for UW’s official athletics platforms and videoboards.
“I’m thrilled to see an innovative company like Fetch invest in an innovative and multi-faceted campaign like this,” UW Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh said. “The NIL component of this campaign is an especially exciting opportunity for our student-athletes. They will benefit from working with the fantastic Fetch team, which has deep ties to UW and is a leader in Madison’s tech and business community.”
Through its innovative technology and successful business model, Fetch has become a disruptive force in the CPG, restaurant and retail industries, with more than 600 global brands partnering with Fetch to bring a fun and easy way for consumers to save every time they shop or dine. Fetch has been nationally recognized as a top workplace and holds an A+ score for company culture; Schroll is among the 2022 winners for EY Entrepreneur of the Year and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and Crain’s Chicago Business 20 in Their 20s.
About Fetch Rewards
Founded in Madison, Wis., Fetch Rewards is on a mission to help people have fun and save money. By partnering directly with the biggest brands in the world, Fetch gives consumers access to quick and easy rewards every time they snap a photo of their receipt or submit an eReceipt. The No. 1 rewards app on the market, Fetch has more than 17 million monthly active users who have collectively submitted more than 2 billion receipts and earned more than $450 million in rewards points. A top-ranked app in the App Store and Google Play Store with more than 2 million five-star reviews from happy Fetchers.
ABOUT LEARFIELD
LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.